PLDT TelPad

PLDT, known for its landline and DSL services introduced a new innovation to the public. It's the PLDT TelPad, the landline phone, DSL and an android touchscreen tablet rolled into one. This new and exciting product was unveiled in an event at SMX that was attended by Manuel V. Pangilinan, the Chairman of PLDT; Napoleon L. Nazareno, President and CEO ; Patrick Tang, Vice President for Retail Voice; Dan Ibarra, Retail Business Group Head and Eric Alberto of Consumer Sales And Marketing Group.

The event is hosted by Bianca Valero & Jocelyn Oxlade and include performances from Eurasia and Side A band. Also seen in the event is RJ Ledesma, Maxim Mamba and the winner of The Amazing Race Asia, the Richards.

Landline, DSL and an Android Tablet

When I got an invite that says that this event is all about "landline reinvention," I was really clueless how they will reinvent the almost obsolete landlines. I was really amazed by the thinktanks of PLDT.

“We are reshaping the future of the landline and we are starting to bring it to the market now,” said PLDT president and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno. “We are proud that the PLDT TelPad was conceptualized and developed here in the Philippines using world-class technology.”

The PLDT TelPad is an 7-inch tablet, Android 2.2 Froyo powered tablet that has a 1Ghz Cortex A8. That means we can download apps and play on tablet. There's 100,000 apps on the Google Android Market that we can choose from and add to this device.

It comes with a 2GB built-in storage but there’s an SD card slot and a USB port for expansion. The TelPad also has a 2 megapixel front camera for still shots and videoconferencing.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Since I was excited to try this device, I immediately tinker on one of the 20 units that they spread at the venue. Though the device is thicker than the Apple iPad (which you can't use to call) it is suprisingly light. The touch screen is resistive enough, and the device last for more than 4 hours if undocked, according to the 'gadget girl.'

Since it's uses PLDT myDSL, browsing on the web is a breeze. The device is updated with the latest Google Instant so it suggest some search phrases as you type. I tried the Facebook for Android app and the popular Angry Birds game and I experience no problem at all.

Unlike other tablet which has only one button, the PLDT Telpad has 3. The HOME button, the BACK and a button that let's you access the MENU easily.

After the presentations ended and while Side A is playing on the stage I asked some people what they can say about the new PLDT Telpad.

"I love it's wifi feature and it's plug and play capability. I can easily use the HDMI port to plug it to my LCD TV", said Zaldy Lizardo, one of the people I caught using the PLDT Telpad. When asked if he will avail the device, he immediately said, Yes!" "The tablet is light, super-packed and affordable so why not" he added.

Ms. Jinny Aldeguer which has a job in the retail industry also share some reaction to the PLDT Telpad to me. "Gusto ko ung Facebook feature niya kase i can use it while I'm lying down in the bed, kase I only use my mobile phone to browse Facebook.com, with it's 7-inch screen it's enough na." When asked if she will buy the device, "Oo naman, PLDT subscribers na kami eh!, I'm sure pag-aagawan 'to sa bahay namin hahaha" she ended.

IS IT EXPENSIVE?

The PLDT TelPad service starts at Plan 1849 with 1-megabit-per-second (Mbps) broadband connection and landline service. The PLDT TelPad unit comes bundled with the plan. Existing PLDT myDSL customers only need to add as low as P500/month to upgrade to the TelPad plans.

The other PLDT TelPad plans are Plan 2099 at 1.5 Mbps (P2,099 per month), Plan 3095 at 2.5 Mbps, and Plan 4100 at 3.5 Mbps. All these are inclusive of the landline phone and myDSL broadband service.

Some photos at the PLDT Telpad Launch:

Eurasia

Side A Band with their new vocalists

a live music mix from 3 DJ's, a violinist and two ... ahh hmmm what do you call that thing?

A Tablet with a landline! PLDT TELPAD is now available for reservation. Enjoy unlimited internet that comes with a tablet and a landline. All of them in one awesome package. Visit their website now for more information. The website on this listing is the official website of PLDT TELPAD. Reservations made on other websites will not be honored by PLDT.

So can you use the PLDT Telpad like any other tablet pc or wifi phone? Can it connect to the internet whenever there is free wifi in a certain area or it only connects to PLDT's internet network? Thanks!

PLDT Sales Department ain't not good when giving out accurate info... DAMN!!!! They told me last june & July that TELPAD Tablet delivery would be first week of August and we're nearing the third week and the effin delivery's not yet happening!!! They are so totally MISINFORMING their customers! That is totally MISLEADING INFO!!!! Thing is the peeps on their hotline can't do anything about it and I think this would be the time that I would start to hate that Company!!!! SO FREAKING ANNOYING!

read the forums and i hear that PLDT has a new Telpad called AD1000A upgraded to Gingerbread 2.3 Android OS!!! called 171 and they said they're not sure when the AD1000A will be available and if there will be units by Setptember! So unreliable PLDT!! How long do we have to wait before they get their Telpad supply together? Do we wait until Gingerbread is LAOS NA????!!! #$#@%$@ PLDT

I had my AD-1000 Telpad upgraded to the Gingerbread version. It's wonderful. Have your old demo unit upgraded to the AD-1000A. It is noticeably faster and responsive than the Froyo version. I love watching videos. Browsing and wifi connection is stable. You may turn in your AD-1000 and get the upgrade for free.

Is there enough supply of this Gingerbread Telpad? Or will I have to wait forever if I order? Baka laos na when I get mine. I've been hearing good feedback about this new Gingerbread Telpad. I even saw this video when I was researching about it. Hanep! may videoke!